Border Security

We need to secure the border, plain and simple. America is a nation built on the rule of law, which means we must enforce existing immigration laws.

Under the previous administration, we saw good progress in curbing illegal border crossings by increasing security, the number of immigration enforcement officers and agents, and building physical barriers.

visited the Texas-Mexico border myself and witnessed the crisis firsthand. Not only are we experiencing record-high numbers of illegal crossings, but deadly drugs such as fentanyl are pouring into our country as well. We need to increase the security along our nation’s borders and at ports of entry to stop illegal immigration and protect our citizens from foreign threats. 

Making a Difference

I support common-sense policies that strengthen our border and national security like building the wall and reinstating Migrant Protection Protocols. 

  • Building a physical barrier along the southern border reduces the physical area where cartels and human traffickers can enter the country illegally. This allows Border Patrol agents to focus on the most vulnerable parts of the border and apprehend those who break the law or wish to do our country harm.
  • The Migrant Protection Protocols program was put in place during the Trump Administration to process asylum claims at the border without releasing people into the United States. It requires that illegal immigrants remain in Mexico pending the completion of their cases.
  • President Trump showed these policies worked, and President Biden needs to reinstate them immediately.

spoke about the deadly drugs pouring into our country because of President Biden’s open border policies, and called for the Biden administration to protect Americans by securing the border.

I introduced the Empowering Law Enforcement Act (ELEA) to help combat the Biden administration’s nullification of U.S. immigration laws. 

  • The Empowering Law Enforcement Act will grant state and local law enforcement inherent immigration enforcement authority to investigate, identify, apprehend, arrest, detain or transfer an illegal immigrant that has entered the U.S. illegally.
  • Additionally, this legislation would provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary flexibility on how long a criminal alien may be detained, extending the 180-day period to ensure violent criminals are not released into communities.

I introduced legislation to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide all illegal immigrants with a Notice to Appear (NTA) for immigration court. My bill would also require DHS to revoke any status and work authorization from an illegal immigrant who doesn’t show up for his or her court date.

  • Due to the Biden administration rolling back President Trump’s successful immigration enforcement policies, we’ve seen an unprecedented uptick in illegal immigrants flooding our Southwest border. These actions sent a signal to the world that our borders are completely open.
  • Releasing illegal immigrants into our country without a date to appear in court hurts those who come to this country actually looking to plead their asylum case and gives a free pass to those breaking our laws.

pressed the Biden administration to answer why they are enforcing stricter COVID reentry standards on U.S. citizens compared to the standards imposed on illegal immigrants.

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that individuals boarding planes destined for the U.S. must possess negative COVID tests taken within three calendar days of their departure dates. Unfortunately, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is not adhering to the same health guidelines for individuals who are entering the U.S. illegally at or between ports of entry along the Southwest border. 
  • I asked DHS Secretary Mayorkas to explain what precautionary measures CBP officers and border patrol agents are directed to take to minimize their exposure to COVID and how we can ensure these measures are being adhered to.

joined my colleagues in asking the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office to look into whether the Biden Administration violated the law by stopping funding for the border wall after Congress specifically appropriated money for materials and construction. 

  • The Constitution explicitly gives Congress, not the President, the power of the purse. When Congress appropriates money for certain projects, the administration must carry them out. 
  • I believe Biden’s halting of border wall construction violates the Impoundment Control Act.

cosponsored S. 42, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act which prohibits these jurisdictions from receiving certain public grants and protects law enforcement officers who work with federal immigration officials. 

  • So-called “sanctuary cities” that refuse to enforce federal laws passed by Congress do not make our country better or safer. I will always work to provide our law enforcement officers the resources they need to effectively carry out their duties and protect the general public.

I helped introduce legislation to prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for settlement payments to illegal immigrants who entered the U.S. at any point since the beginning of 2017 and were detained.